Page 98 of Prey

I wrote down the number and address before closing out of everything and shutting off his computer.

I looked back at his desk when I got to the door to make sure nothing was out of place before I snuck out of there.

I left the house without saying anything to anyone.

It wasn’t until I had pulled away from the property that I texted Mom, telling her I wasn’t feeling well.

I had to go and save Roman.

I would not let him go back to prison.

Never again.

17

RYLEIGH

Roman wasn’t answeringhis phone.

I had been in a state of panic since leaving my parents’ house.

The drug drop-off location happened to be in San Francisco, a little over two hours away, so driving there took up most of the day. Even still, I got to the place with some time to spare.

Finding the location was a little harder than I thought, especially when halfway there, I realized it was taking place at a shipping port.

I had never been to one before, and I didn’t know where to go or where to even begin my search.

I parked my car about a block away and pulled on my cap. At least this would hide my face. I was also in dark clothing, so I hoped to blend well into the night.

Or my clothing could do nothing but draw attention to myself.

I blinked at the thought. I fucking hoped not.

I tried Roman again.

I was sent to voicemail after the third ring.

Frustration burned my heart, and anger.

Why the hell wasn’t he picking up?

What if I didn’t make it in time?

What then?

I didn’t know, but I couldn’t fail.

I couldn’t.

I snuck into the port, which wasn’t hard, considering it was almost empty at this time of night.

It was well past closing time, and there shouldn’t be people around unless they worked here… or were here to do something illegal.

All I had seen so far was a guard walking around, but I was sure there were cameras all over the place.

I pulled the cap on my head and lowered my face. If they did catch me on camera, I hoped they wouldn’t catch sight of my face.

It wouldn’t take long for someone to identify me if that happened.

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